Liquids alter viscosity when confined, shaken

New research shows that when water is confined to a small space, it behaves like a gel. Then, when shaken, it becomes fluidic and exhibits the same structural and mechanical properties as water in a bottle. The study — the first to use an atomic force microscope to measure the viscosity of confined fluids — revealed that these liquids can respond and modify their viscosity based on environmental changes.

Instrument for tissue damage assessment developed at QUT

A tool with the potential to determine the level of tissue damage in patients with osteo-arthritis, sports injuries and other conditions affecting bone and cartilage is being developed by QUT researchers.

Scientists discover the double life of proteins

Scientists have discovered a link between blood pressure regulation and nutrition that could also help to shed light on intestinal and kidney function.

The source of lethal heparin contamination

Contaminated heparin recently caused a spate of deaths all around the world. Researchers used NMR to identify the contaminant.

The impact of IT on next-generation DNA sequencing

Will the IT industry be able to keep up in the race for the $1000 genome?

The role of food in human exposure to antimicrobial resistant bacteria

The European Food Safety Authority BIOHAZ Panel has launched a public consultation and a call for additional scientific data on the extent of how food serves as a vehicle for antimicrobial resistance.

Bikini corals recover from atomic blast

Although the corals are flourishing around the atomic blasted Bikini Atoll, some species have not recovered.

Turning off rice genes

Researchers have found a new type of molecule - kind of 'micro-switch' - that can turn off genes in rice, which is the primary source of food for more than half the world's population.

New ways to tackle HIV

At the Sir Mark Oliphant Conference on Vaccine and Immunotherapy Technologies in Canberra on 9–10 April, Prof Stephen Kent  described how the immune system can be primed to attack the HIV virus more strongly.

Redox potential calculations and drug discovery

Using a supercomputer, reaserchers have sped up redox potential calculations for potential drugs.

The science of faster swimsuits

All sorts of scientists and research institutions were involved in the development of Speedo's record-toppling swimsuit.

Australia helps to redefine the kilogram

Staff from the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Precision Optics and the National Measurement Institute have played an integral part in redefining the kilogram.

Antibiotic resistance proteins identified

Scientists have identified two proteins that significantly increase the ability of disease-causing bacteria to resist some classes of antibiotics.

Mathematical model offers smarter way to understand how information travels In cells

Vaccine for Ebola virus

An Ebola virus has been successfully tested in primates.